Coll 28/97(1) ‘Persia. Diaries. Tehran Intelligence Summaries.’ [‎251r] (501/807)

3
at the time and the Imperial Government had given the Soviet Government
a denial and had thought that the matter was closed. What particularly
annoyed the Imperial Government was that M. Molotov said that the Imperial
Government “ Had thought it necessary to deny the report ”—a form of words
which appeared to cast doubt upon the genuineness of the Imperial Government s
dementi. An article to this effect appeared in a Tehran newspaper, and it is
nmown that the Minister for Foreign Affairs spoke to the Soviet Ambassador
in similar terms.
(ii) A list of civil and military aerodromes in the Caucasus area, dated
April 1940, is given as an appendix to this summary^ 1 )
9. Egyptian Interests.
No more articles about Egypt have appeared. His Majesty’s Minister spoke
to the Minister for Foreign Affairs about articles hostile to Great Britain w r hich
had appeared in the press, and mentioned in particular the two about Egypt.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs made a feeble attempt to assert that the press
enjoyed “ a certain freedom,” but otherwise made no defence. This was not
surprising as the articles had obviously been inspired by the Shah’s family feeling.
10. Czecho-Slovakian Interests.
Notes, furnished by Czechs newly arrived in Iran, on present conditions in
the Reich protectorates are given as an appendix to this summary.Q
11 . Iranian State Railways.
The railway station buildings of Shahrud are already in an advanced state
of construction. A special road, 4 kilom. long, is being made between the railway-
station and the town of Shahrud itself (Map 15.D.4).
12. Aero Club.
(i) On the 30th July the local press reported in large head-lines that further
large donations from all the members of the Imperial Family had been sent to the
funds of the Aero Club. The total sum donated amounted to 245,000 rials (£4,099
at the rate of 60 rials per £).
(ii) Enquiries are being made from Japanese aircraft firms for the supply
of 20-25 machines for the use of the aero club. •
13. Census.
An Imperial decree orders the Minister of the Interior to arrange for the
early taking of the census of the population of Meshed and Tabriz.
14. Movements of Members of Foreign Missions.
Recently the Iranian Ministry for Foreign Affairs sent a circular to all
foreign embassies and legations stating that, since it is strictly forbidden for
anyone to proceed to the frontiers of Iran without obtaining permission in
advance, members of foreign missions are also requested not to proceed to the
vicinity of the frontiers of Imperial territory unless special permission has been
obtained in writing.
The Soviet Ambassador is believed to have protested against this order and
asked for reasons. According to the Soviet Military Attache, the Minister for
Foreign Affairs replied that it was because the French had been active in taking
photographs of the Azerbaijan and Khorassan frontiers.
15. Youth Organisations.
The usual instructional camps for Boy Scout masters and Girl Guide Com
missioners have been in progress throughout the summer at Manzarieh near
Tehran.
Swimming and diving classes have also been held at the above place during
the summer and stress had been laid on this sport in the local newspapers. Within
the past two years several new and well-equipped public and private swimming-
baths have been constructed both in Tehran and in several of the larger towns of
the provinces.
(9 Not printed.